Autism Testing in Sterling, VA—Screening and Diagnosis for Autism

Here at Thriveworks Sterling, we provide psychological testing and assessment for many occasions. More specifically, we offer cognitive functioning and intelligence testing, differential diagnosis assessments, personality assessments, assessments related to one’s career interests, and finally, adaptive functioning and developmental testing.

Today, we’ll focus on the latter and how it can be used to diagnose autism. If you are looking for autism testing, reach out to Thriveworks Sterling. We can provide you with autism testing both in office and in an online setting. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 348-5217.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often shortened to autism, is a developmental disorder that causes problems with socializing and communicating.  This disorder can be diagnosed at any age; however, the individual typically develops symptoms by age 2.

There are specific criteria one must meet to be officially diagnosed with autism, as set forth by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the DSM, individuals with ASD have…

• Trouble communicating and interacting with others
• Repetitive behaviors and limited interests
• Symptoms that hinder one’s ability to function normally

The spectrum represents varying types and severities of autism symptoms. That said, it is important your child gets screened for autism if they are experiencing any level or degree of symptoms, as explained by Sean Hayes PsyD at Thriveworks Counseling in Sterling, VA: “For autism spectrum disorder, it is important to get testing done early because research shows that putting in support early for autism spectrum disorder can lead to better results as the child grows.” A mental health professional can perform this evaluation, help you better understand your child, and help them adjust properly at school and in other areas of life.

How Do People with ASD Interact with Others?

As you can see above, one of the characteristics of ASD is difficulty communicating or interacting with others. Here are a few common social behaviors in those with ASD:

• Makes little or no eye contact
• Refuses or fails to listen to others
• Fails to respond when called upon
• Struggles to engage in back and forth conversation
• Talks extensively about specific, preferred subject
• Displays facials and other gestures that do not match the individual’s verbals
• Has a strange tone of voice (e.g., it might sound flat or, contrarily, robot-like)
• Struggles to understand another individual’s point of view or actions

How Do People with ASD Behave?

Another characteristic of ASD is repetitive behaviors and limited interests. Some common repetitive (or restrictive) behaviors among these individuals include:

• Unusual behaviors, such as repeating words or phrases
• Intense focuses on a singular topic: e.g., animals or numbers
• Becoming upset by small changes in their routine
• Displaying greater or less sensitivity than others to noises, lights, clothing, etc.

It is also common for people with ASD to have sleep problems as well as irritability. That said, they do not go without their strengths. Often, these individuals are able to remember pieces of information and details for an impressive length of time; they are strong auditory as well as visual learners; and they excel in subjects like math, science, and music.

Autism Testing and Diagnosis: How Does It Work?

The mental health professionals at Thriveworks Sterling can conduct autism testing to help determine whether you (or your child) have autism. This will simply involve looking at the individual’s behavior and development. That said, the specifics can change with age. Diagnosis in young children might involve assessing:

• One’s cognitive level and thinking skills
• Age-appropriate skills
• Language skills

In older kids, the parents often discuss their concerns with the medical professional, often in regard to their social difficulties. For example, parents might notice their teen struggles with communicating using facial expressions and doesn’t quite grasp sarcasm or dry humor. Their teen might also struggle with connecting to others, in a more general sense.

Now, diagnosing ASD in adults can be trickier. There are symptoms of ASD that overlap with those of anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. However, if you think that your symptoms might signify ASD, your Thriveworks Sterling expert will work to understand your communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and sensory issues (as mentioned above) to reach an accurate conclusion on your diagnosis. This evaluation might also involve talking to family members and other close loved ones.

Schedule Autism Testing at Thriveworks Sterling, VA

As mentioned earlier, if you or your child are experiencing any symptoms of ASD it is important for you to seek out an evaluation as soon as possible, so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible if you do receive an ASD diagnosis.

The psychologists at Thriveworks Sterling, VA are happy to conduct this testing and also offer treatment for ASD. Working with a mental health professional can help you to improve the areas you are struggling with and capitalize on your strengths! Medication might also help you to manage some symptoms of ASD such as irritability, hyperactivity, and attention problems.

To schedule autism testing or another form of psychological testing at Thriveworks Sterling, just give our office a call. You can reach us at (703) 348-5217, and we will be happy to get you in for an appointment.